What to do in Riyadh

Riyadh’s café scene just got a stylish addition. Ralph’s Coffee, the lifestyle café concept by fashion powerhouse Ralph Lauren, has officially opened its doors in Saudi Arabia. Located in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the venue marks the brand’s first café in the Kingdom — and it’s got plenty to offer both fashion lovers and coffee fans. Ralph’s Coffee brings the brand’s signature all-American flair to the capital. From the moment you arrive, the setup makes a statement: a teddy bear in a white apron greets you at the window, and a vintage-style coffee cart sits just outside, complete...

With Eid Al Adha around the corner, Riyadh’s transport authority has rolled out an adjusted schedule for metro and bus services, aiming to accommodate shifting travel habits during the holiday period. The changes will be in place from June 5 to June 14, before regular operations resume on June 15. Metro Operating Hours during Eid Al Adha in Riyadh Metro services across all lines will end daily at midnight during the holiday. However, start times will vary by date and line. Orange Line: Daily: 10 AM to midnight Back to regular schedule (6 AM start) on June 15 Other Metro...

Get ready for a transportation revolution in Saudi Arabia! The much-anticipated Riyadh Metro is set to begin operations with its first phase rolling out on November 27. This milestone marks the debut of what is hailed as the longest driverless metro system in the world. The initial launch will see three lines opening, as confirmed by Riyadh Metro on X (formerly Twitter). With a total of six lines, the entire metro network will span an impressive 176 kilometers and include 84 stations. The second phase, which will complete the remaining three routes, is expected to be operational by mid-December. At...

Saudi Arabia will host the first Riyadh Comedy Festival this autumn as part of its growing calendar of entertainment events. Running from September 26 to October 9, 2025, the festival will take place in Boulevard City and is set to feature over 50 comedians from around the world. The event was officially announced by Turki Al Al Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), through his X (formerly Twitter) account. It will be part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Kingdom’s cultural and entertainment initiative that supports Vision 2030 goals for tourism and economic diversification. First Headliners of Riyadh Comedy...

Riyadh is set to welcome a remarkable guest this January — Sir Anthony Hopkins, the legendary Oscar-winning actor. But this time, he’s not here to act. Instead, he’s bringing a different kind of artistry to the stage: his music. Hopkins, known worldwide for his iconic roles in film, is also a passionate composer. For Riyadh Season, he has crafted original musical compositions that will be performed in a special concert titled “Life is a Dream.” The prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Matthew Freeman, will bring these compositions to life.     View this post on Instagram   A...

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has confirmed that Tuesday, September 23 will be a public holiday for the Kingdom’s 95th National Day. The day off applies to employees in both the government and private sectors, with schools, banks, and official offices also pausing operations so everyone can join the celebrations. National Day marks the historic unification of the country in 1932 under King Abdulaziz Al Saud. It has been observed since 1965 during the reign of King Faisal, and was officially made a permanent holiday in 2005 by King Abdullah. Every year it brings people together...

Get ready to go on a delectable journey through the world of dates because from December 5th to 14th, the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will be hosting the renowned World of Dates Expo – an event that promises to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of dates in Saudi Arabia. The exhibit will feature many exciting spaces, including a Global Cooking and Tasting Zone where six international kitchens join to create a delicious menu centered around the humble date. It's not just a tasting, it's a culinary adventure that will transport you across borders and showcase the...

Food lovers, get ready! The Food Culture Festival is back, bringing delicious bites and exciting experiences to three cities across Saudi Arabia. Whether you're a fan of international flavors or eager to explore Saudi cuisine, this festival is a must-visit. Food Culture Festival 2025 Dates & Locations: Al Khobar: January 29 – February 2 Riyadh: February 5 – 9 Jeddah: February 12 – 16 Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Quality of Life Programme, the event goes beyond food — it’s a celebration of culinary arts, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences.     View this post...

Prepare to experience Riyadh like never before as Noor Riyadh, the world’s largest light art festival, returns for its fourth edition. This stunning event, running from 28th November to 14th December, will transform the city into a radiant celebration of creativity and innovation. The 2024 theme, "Light Years Apart," will create a magical and otherworldly experience with over 60 artworks spread across the city. Expect to be amazed by the scale and diversity of the installations, from striking outdoor displays to captivating light projections, each bringing a unique artistic vision to life.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Suwaidi Park is back as part of Riyadh Season 2025, and it’s bringing the world to one place. This year, the free-entry zone celebrates 13 cultures from across the globe. It’s open every day until December 20, filling the air with music, dance, food, and colour. The park takes visitors on a journey through food stalls serving authentic dishes, vibrant folk performances, and markets filled with handcrafted treasures. Each week, a new culture takes the spotlight, creating a different experience every time you visit. Families can explore pavilions, enjoy open-air concerts, and soak in a carnival-like atmosphere. View this post...